Couple set to take on charity challenge

An antenatal teacher is set to take on a 13-day walking challenge with her husband to raise funds for a leading childbirth charity.

Carol Janes is taking part in this year’s TGO challenge, backpacking across Scotland from Shiel Bridge on the West coast all the way to Fraserburgh in aid of the National Childbirth Trust (NCT).

NCT is the UK’s largest parent charity and each year supports millions of new mothers and fathers through their first 1,000 days as parents.

The walk takes place between May 13 and 26 - with Carol and her husband, Mark, walking into Fraserburgh on Thursday, May 26.

Carol said: “I have never undertaken a backpacking journey before, it is a real challenge for me. I joined NCT when I had my first baby in 1985 and wherever I have lived in the UK there has been a branch of NCT to welcome me. I want to help NCT provide more support and activities for local parents here in Scotland.

“I am not the youngest, slimmest or fittest NCT member but I hope to find the determination I need to complete the whole 250km.”

NCT is 60 this year and has many achievements to be proud of, campaigning to allow fathers to be present at the birth of their children, and supporting parents through a network of over 300 branches in the UK.

Information about NCT in Aberdeen City and Shire can be found at: https://www.nct.org.uk/branches/aberdeen-city-shire

The organisation are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are passionate about making a difference to parents locally to join them too.

There are a wide range of rewarding opportunities available from making tea at our Bumps and Babies groups to IT roles behind the scenes.

Volunteering provides an excellent opportunity to use and develop your skills and experience.

Helping parents gives volunteers a sense of satisfaction as well as useful voluntary work experience to add to your CV.

NCT volunteering is open to all and it welcomes people from different backgrounds. Volunteers do not need to be parents or women to make a difference to local mums and dads. Find out more at: http://www.nct.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering/volunteering-roles